Yes, it is true that Colombia has been a very dangerous place for many years, but in the past decade tourism has increased by over 120% and it is no wonder why.
Colombia is a magical place with warm and welcoming people, breathtaking nature and most of all it is still a relatively touristy place. There is also a massive push towards ecotourism in Colombia.
Undiscovered Ecotourism Destinations in Colombia
We traveled personally (which was not an easy task at times!) And hand picked these ecotourism destinations in Colombia. Enjoy!
Bahia Aguacate
Literally „Avocado Bay”, this gem of a destination is truly where the jungle meets the ocean. The Bahia Aguacate is surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical forests and offers breathtaking sea views with rugged rocky outcrops against the backdrop of brilliant blue water and blue skies.
Bahia Aguacate is a stunning hour’s walk from Curgana, a small fishing village that has a vibrant nightlife on the weekends.
A short boat ride from Curgana is La Miel, Panama, the first successful European settlement on the American mainland (1510). From there, take a 30-minute hike to the border back into Colombia to the picturesque beach town of Szurro. This corner of the continent is only accessible by plane or speedboat, so this place has retained its rugged beauty.
If you want to feel the sun, swim in crystal blue waters and just hear the sounds of the waves and the sea breeze, Bahia Aguacate is the destination for you!
Cabo de la Vela
Welcome to the „Wild West” of Colombia. Home of Wayuu peopleCabo de la Vela is truly a unique and wonderful place to visit. Here the desert meets the sea.
Spend your days hiking to wild and unique beaches. Spend your evenings in a chinchorro (a large, comfortable hammock with an integrated cover, made by local Wayuu women) under the stars. Eat freshly caught lobster and fish daily. Greet the goats, iguanas, lizards and crabs as you explore the beaches of Ojo de Agua, Pilon de Azucar and the rocky cliffs overlooking the vast Caribbean Ocean on the northern edge of the South American continent.
Cabo de la Vela is a destination well worth the trip if you want to experience ecotourism in Colombia.
We recommend staying at an Airbnb. Browse through the following options:
Table of Los Santos
The hotel is located in the state or „Departamento” of Santander, about an hour south of BucaramangaMesa de los Santos, „The Plateau of the Saints”, was once the home of the Guanes and is rich in history, culture and beauty.
The mesa collides with the Chicamocha Canyon, the largest canyon in Colombia. Walking along the mesa is like traveling back in time. Pre-Columbian petroglyphs, caving and breathtaking views. You can almost imagine what it would feel like to live here between the colorful sand and rocks, the breathtaking blue sky and the yawning canyons Guane once did. Climbing in Perhs, one of the best places in the world – La Mojarra – enjoy the cutest pine tree you’ve ever had or just experience one of the most amazing topographies in Colombia.
Whatever you bring you must visit Mesa de Los Santos!
Palomino
A lonely beach, the deltas of two large and beautiful rivers full of wildlife. a unique mountain rangeand reflects the morning sun. You can find all of this and more in Palomino!
A sleepy town northeast of Santa MartaHere you can find peace and relaxation. Plan a day trip to hike halfway Sierra Nevada and float down the lazy Palomino River getting into the Caribbean Ocean. Enjoy night walks on the beach where the sand „sparkles” with static electricity with every step! Or just enjoy the solitude and sunshine on the beach.
If you want to get away from it all, Palomino is the perfect place to refresh your body and soul!
Barichara
Barichara is by far one of the most charming small towns or „pueblos” in Colombia.
Barichara’s whitewashed buildings with traditional rock zocalos or baseboards are in the Santander region and are a step back in time. Men in traditional costume linger on park benches while children walk home from school and enjoy afternoon ice cream.
Barichara, originally called „Barachalá” by the native Guane, means „a good place to rest” – an appropriate description of this beautiful city.
Do not miss the „Camino Real Guane”, a path from Barichara to the very small pueblo of Guane. In this case, the trip is the destination as the views are amazing and the stone path is filled with ancient fossils. The “Hormigas Culonas” or Big Booty Ants, a delicacy of the region, also live in Barichara. These ants are raised on site and pan-fried, as a snack, on steak, in a delicious sauce, or in any way.
If you want to experience a small, colonial, eco-friendly Colombian pueblo with lots of character, don’t miss Barichara!
Thermal Santa Rosa del Cabal
Colombia’s unique geography gives it many thermal springs and this one is beyond the best in Colombia.
Termales Santa Rosa del Cabal are actually two locations: a private one with a hotel and another for day users. Both get all their water from thermal springs high up in the mountains, where the water temperature is a scorching 88 ° C. The hot cascade then turns into an ice cold waterfall and is then directed to the baths.
There are private baths on the hotel grounds for up to four people and an outdoor shower for those staying in the original part of the hotel. The hottest section of the main pool borders the waterfall at 37 ° C. Pools further away from the waterfall get progressively cooler.
Next to the “coolest” pool is an ice cold waterfall, a nice place to cool off and increase blood flow after soaking in the warmth of the thermal.
Termales Santa Rosa del Cabal is a perfect way to add some relaxation to your Colombia trip.
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